Uchida Eatery/Shokudo
A22-633 Courtney St.
Nootka Court
Victoria, BC
250-388-7383
In a mad rush to a Springboard Lecture to launch 2013’s Victoria Film Festival, a quick bite was needed. Inside Nootka Court, I lucked out at seeing that Uchida was still open. I remember this place used to be Daidoco, but this operation closed before James and I could return to weigh in at more of the tastes this Japanese diner offered.
The Clay Pigeon
1002 Blanshard Street
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 590-6657
J: They say two birds in the hand are worth three in the bush. But it only took one bird, the Clay Pigeon, to be worth 3 food lovers. Ed and myself were accompanied by none other than Donald Kennedy of the Victoria Burger Blog and were more than glad to have his insight. Ed and I were finally able to relax in the atmosphere that is the Clay.
Our server for the night, Darion, was smart and had wonderful taste. Her knowledge of the menu and the ingredients involved in our meals astounded me. I should’ve tipped her more because her services in my opinion are worth double.
Perhaps I shall return with a “tip part 2” in a marked envelope. I knew this place was class as we were served glasses of water with small wedges of lemon bobbing about.
E: Her friendliness was what made the Clay Pigeon experience worthwhile. James and I heard of the food quality, but to finally be there with friends is what made this particular visit even better. And I finally got to try the crispy fried pig’s ear.
La Fiesta Cafe
G-12 1001 Douglas St.
Sussex Building
Victoria, BC
(250) 383-6622
E: I sounded off before on how I like La Fiesta on the corner of Douglas and Broughton, but very rarely can I convince James to hit a favourite place of mine. Not only that, they are open super late at night to make seeking out a quick bite possible.
J: Yes, they are now open Fridays and Saturdays until 3am for the bar crowd and late night/early morning walkers like myself. Yes, it is just after the holidays but downtown Victoria still closes early even on Saturday nights. It might be one of the reasons Victoria businesses suffer financially. Why go into town for a movie at the The Vic Theatre when you know almost everything will be closed after the film credits roll. Unless you want to drink ’til intoxication, there is little to do.
Saigon Harbour
1012 Blanshard Street
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 386-3354
E: I am amused that 3 Vietnamese diners are nearly a block away from each other; that makes for some stiff competition. When James and I were looking for food, it was our noses that were guiding us. And I have to believe our tracking abilities guided us to the wrong place. Saigon Harbour was not where the trail led; but the signpost showing off one of their specials, a spicy prawn dish did.
Efes Donair Kebap House
788 Yates Street
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 3S2
J: If you’ve read my Efes article you’ll recall how it was still under construction. I’ve eagerly anticipated stepping into a much needed restaurant to liven up Yates Street and now I have my chance. Like all new businesses there are kinks to work out and projects to finish and Efes is no different but boy did I like what I saw. I’m liking the look of the place. We were definitely looking to sit down but I was changing tables on Ed.
E: On a chilly night about town, I guess James needed a good fireplace to roast his rump near. Although this operation is over a month old, their soft opening is certainly gathering a crowd. While their wraps certainly filled our tummies, I knew I had to come back soon to try their donairs.
Murchie’s Tea & Coffee
1110 Government Street
Victoria, B.C.
(250) 383-3112
E: On our stroll down Government Street on a chilly December, two words jumped at me—Ginger and Chocolate—and James and I soon found ourselves inside Murchie’s. I thought the candy goodness could be found at the deli side of the operation, hopefully available for sampling. Sadly, they were not at the time.
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